Conflicting reports about Drew Brees negotiations with Saints

Drew Brees and the Saints have reportedly been about $2 million per year apart in contract negotiations since early this spring. (Reuters Pictures)

A report from New Orleans TV station WWL on Thursday stated that the New Orleans Saints could have a deal with star quarterback Drew Brees finished as early as Friday, but another report at nola.com cited sources as saying a deal is not imminent.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported this week that Brees is asking for a deal worth $20.3 million a year, while NBC Sports' Mike Florio put the Saints' offer at nearly $19 million. Triplett's sources told him that the two sides have been roughly $2 million per year apart since early in the spring.

With Brees and the NFL Players Association still seeking clarification on whether the NFL's single-season passing record-holder is being counted as a first-year or second-year franchise player, Triplett estimates that the negotiations will drag on closer to the July 16 deadline.